2004 MG TF problems
The 2004 MG TF was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Rover K-Series. The Rover K-Series has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2004 cars, such as rust on the subframe, sills and wheel arches.
2004 MG TF score: acceptable reliability
Calculated using only 8 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated
- Engine5.43 faults
- Gearbox10.0No documented faults
- Suspension8.91 fault and ITV (technical inspection)
- Brakes8.7Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.5 times the defects normal for its age
- Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
- Steering7.9Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.8 times the defects normal for its age
- Electrical system9.31 fault
- Headlights and lights8.6Technical inspection (ITV) only: 0.6 times the defects normal for its age
- Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
- Climate control10.0No documented faults
- Bodywork and interior8.13 faults and ITV (technical inspection)
- Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults
What changes compared with the 2003 MG TF
The same engines and the same documented faults as in 2003.
Rover K-Series engine in the 2004 MG TF
Names: TF 115 · TF 120 Stepspeed · TF 135 · TF 160
- With caution
1.6 16V 109-116 hp (16K4F, 1995-2005)
109–116 hp · 16K4F
This is one of the versions where technical sources place the change to "damp" liners, with less coolant between cylinders; Diariomotor recommends checking whether the gasket is already the reinforced one.[2][3]
- With caution
1.8 16V 117-136 hp (18K4F, 1995-2005)
117–136 hp · 18K4F
This is the version most cited in head gasket failures; it is worth buying if it already has the multi-layer (MLS) gasket with the liners measured, and Diariomotor considers its absence a good argument for negotiating the price.[2][3][4]
- With caution
1.8 VVC 145-160 hp (18K4K, 1995-2005)
145–160 hp · 18K4K
It shares the 1.8's head gasket problem (suppliers sell specific multi-layer kits for the VVC); we have not found faults specific to the VVC mechanism in open sources.[4][5]
Faults that affect 2004 cars
- High severityFrequency: CommonCylinder head and blockHead gasket failureThe K-Series' big problem is the head gasket, which can fail even below 100,000 km because of a mix of gasket design, cooling and overheating. The usual repair uses the multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket that was developed for the Freelander.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalCylinder head and blockSunken cylinder liners and warped head after overheatingAfter overheating, the K-Series liners can end up below the surface of the block and the aluminium head can be marked or warped; then no gasket seals properly and the liner height has to be measured and restored.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingCoolant leaks: expansion tank cap, rear block rail and hosesThe K-Series circuit holds about 5.5 litres, so a slow leak empties the expansion tank and causes localised overheating. The points cited are the tank cap, the metal rail at the rear of the block (corrosion), the hoses and the coolant passages of the inlet manifold gasket.
Faults outside the engine in the 2004 MG TF
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorRust on the subframe, sills and wheel archesParkers includes rust on the subframe, sills, rear wheel arches and battery tray among the points to check on the MG TF; cars built from 2007 onwards in China were better protected.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorPlastic rear window and deteriorating hoodOn the MG TF the original plastic rear window becomes brittle and cracks, especially if the zips fail, and the hood lining is of poor quality.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemElectric windows, central locking and hood wiringParkers notes that on the MG TF the electric windows and central locking can fail, and that the wiring for the hood's heated rear window frays over time, although these are simple repairs.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionSuspension knocks from shock absorbers and bushesParkers warns that, although better than the MGF with Hydragas, the MG TF can have worn shock absorbers and bushes that cause knocks and creaks on uneven roads.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorLeaks through doors and hoodParkers points to poor door and hood seals on the MG TF, with a risk of water in the carpet and electrical faults.
Buying a 2004 MG TF?
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Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 MG TF reliable?
The 2004 MG TF was sold with an engine that we have documented: the Rover K-Series. The Rover K-Series has serious faults that affect the cars of that year. Outside the engine, 5 documented faults affect 2004 cars, such as rust on the subframe, sills and wheel arches.
Is the 2004 MG TF better than the 2003?
Going by the documented faults, they are the same: the same engines and the same faults affect the 2003 and 2004 cars. Choose on condition, mileage and maintenance history.
What is the best year for the MG TF?
According to our score, the best are 2011, 2010, 2009 and 3 other years with the same score (8.1/10). The year with the worst score is 2002 (6.7/10). Each year's score counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those cars.
What faults does the 2004 MG TF have?
The most important ones documented for 2004 cars are: head gasket failure (Rover K-Series, high severity), sunken cylinder liners and warped head after overheating (Rover K-Series, high severity), coolant leaks: expansion tank cap, rear block rail and hoses (Rover K-Series, medium severity), rust on the subframe, sills and wheel arches (bodywork and interior, medium severity) and plastic rear window and deteriorating hood (bodywork and interior, low severity).
Own a 2004 MG TF? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- MG TF (2002)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
- Guía de compra del MG TF de segunda manoDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 7 November 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
- Choosing the correct K Series Head Gasket KitDMGRS · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
- MG ZR ZS ZT & Modern Engine & FuelMGOC Spares · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
- MGF & TF Headgasket Repair KitsMGOC Spares · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026